Oxford News

Travel insurance expert urges Brits to buy cover now

Published

3 hours ago

April 21, 2026

info@oxinfo.co.uk

As tensions in the Middle East continue, the Head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, said we are heading for “the largest energy crisis we have ever faced.”

It stems from the pinch-off of oil, gas and other vital supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

In an interview with Associated Press, he warned that flight cancellations could begin “soon” if oil supplies remain blocked by the Iran war.

Now, Rhys Jones, a travel insurance expert at Go.Compare travel, has issued his own warning.

He explained: “The suggestion that jet fuel supplies could tighten in the coming weeks highlights how quickly travel plans can be disrupted by global events.

“Having suitable insurance in place as soon as you book can make a significant difference if circumstances change.

“So, if you’re worried about your summer holiday being affected by the conflict, it’s not too late to get a policy in place and give you peace of mind.”

Travel insurance provides far broader protection than just medical cover and lost belongings.

If you need to cancel a trip due to bereavement, a deterioration in health or similar circumstances, it can help mitigate the financial impact.

And if external factors lead to cancellations or disruption to your holiday, it may help you recover some of the associated costs.

For those with annual policies, Rhys also suggests checking that your policy covers your destination: “It’s easy to assume an annual policy covers every trip and country, but insurers typically group countries into regions, and higher-cost areas may require an upgraded level of cover.

“Because of higher and more complex healthcare costs, some policies exclude destinations such as the USA, Canada or parts of the Caribbean unless additional cover is purchased.

“Taking the time to check could prevent costly surprises.”

Other travel checks you should make:

Length-of-stay limits, as many policies restrict individual trips to 30 or 45 days
Whether winter sports or specialist activities are included, as these are often optional extras
Cruise cover, which is usually required for sea-based holidays
Policy details before departure, to avoid unexpected gaps in protection

And if the Strait of Hormuz isn’t reopened, Birol said that for Europe: “I can tell you soon we will hear the news that some of the flights from city A to city B might be cancelled as a result of a lack of jet fuel.

Where is going to be affected?

Birol said that for Europe: “I can tell you soon we will hear the news that some of the flights from city A to city B might be cancelled as a result of a lack of jet fuel.

“The countries that will suffer the most will not be those whose voices are heard a lot.

“It will be mainly the developing countries. Poorer countries in Asia, in Africa and in Latin America,” said the Turkish economist and energy expert who has led the IEA since 2015.

Are you worried about going on holiday? Let us know in the comments

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Oxford News

FSA recall as cakes and biscuits contaminated by rodents

Published

56 minutes ago

April 21, 2026

info@oxinfo.co.uk

Saffron Pastries is recalling a number of its products because of a potential rodent contamination.

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned any shoppers who have purchased the affected products, listed below, not to eat them.

Full refunds will be offered to anyone who has bought the cakes and biscuits.

Monday 20 April – Updated: Saffron Pastries recalls various Saffron Pastries products because of potential rodent contamination #FoodAlert https://t.co/uYw2iAiwSV pic.twitter.com/SpxX7YibWB

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) April 20, 2026

A statement from the FSA said: “Saffron Pastries is recalling the above Saffron Pastries brand products.

“Point of sale notices will be displayed in retail stores that are selling these products.

“These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.

“If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to where you bought them from for a full refund.”

Food Recalls Explained

What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.

This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.

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Oxford News

Oxford in the top 30 for hazardous fly-tipping in England

Published

5 hours ago

April 21, 2026

info@oxinfo.co.uk

The figures, released by Oxford waste collection experts BusinessWaste.co.uk, highlight the scale of illegal waste dumping in the region, raising concerns about public health and environmental impact.

A total of 109,015 fly-tipping incidents were recorded in the South East in 2024/25.

Of these, 1,923 involved hazardous materials like asbestos, chemicals, oil, or clinical waste, posing significant risks to the environment and public safety.

Mark Hall, an Oxford-based waste collection expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “All illegal waste dumping is damaging to the environment and local community, but hazardous waste is particularly concerning as it contains toxic, persistent, or reactive materials.

“Substances such as asbestos, oils, chemicals, and fuel are not only more toxic but also often require specialist handling and disposal.

“When dumped illegally, they can contaminate soil and water, release harmful particles into the air, and create safety risks for both the public and council workers.”

The South East ranks fourth nationally for hazardous fly-tipping.

The most-affected area was Spelthorne, recording 104 hazardous waste incidents.

In contrast, Adur and Folkestone and Hythe recorded no such incidents.

Mr Hall said: “If you come across any kind of fly-tipping, keep your distance, don’t disturb it, and immediately report it to the council.”

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Oxford News

Cotswolds area named as ‘most desirable’ in the UK

Published

7 hours ago

April 21, 2026

info@oxinfo.co.uk

This is according to Gloucestershire Live, which has given the spot that title in a new report published over the weekend.

Experts say the region has entered “a new era” as a prime property hotspot, thanks to its rising reputation.

Architect Alex Hancock, co‑founder of residential architecture and interior design practice Bloom Studio, said: “The Cotswolds is evolving.

READ MORE: Old Oxfordshire prep school with seven bedrooms for sale at £1.9m

“What we’re seeing is a new level of international buyer who values heritage but expects refinement.

“Our role is to preserve the architectural integrity of these buildings while quietly introducing the flow, material quality and technical performance that modern living demands.”

Bloom Studio says the Cotswolds is “no longer merely characterised by picturesque villages and weekend retreats” and is now recognised for “design, discretion, and a globally interconnected social scene”.

READ MORE: Music legend and wife have drink at Jeremy Clarkson’s Cotswolds pub

The firm said: “This new generation of buyers appreciates architectural integrity while also anticipating modern functionality: spatial flow, natural materials, refined detailing, and seamless project execution.”

According to Mr Hancock, demand is being fuelled by the global profile of venues such as Soho Farmhouse and Estelle Manor, along with the success of Jeremy Clarkson’s Amazon series Clarkson’s Farm.

He said these high‑profile destinations have helped draw in affluent international buyers, many of whom already own homes in cities such as London or overseas but want Cotswolds properties that blend “architectural authenticity with modern comfort”.

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